Millions of Chileans without power

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Cities throughout Chile have been left without power due to a problem with one of the country's main power grids, according to witnesses and local media.

Presidency Minister Cristian Larroulet said power could return in the coming hours.

The blackout began at 8:50pm (1250 NZT) and affected the capital, Santiago, as well as cities such as Concepcion, which was recently devastated by a major earthquake.

Phone service was also down in much of the country, witnesses said.

Power was returning gradually to Santiago. The Central Interconnected System, or SIC grid, was the one that was affected. It delivers powers to many cities in the country including the capital.

"We don't know exactly what happened. We've stopped receiving energy in the Santiago distribution grid,'' Juan Pablo Larrain, spokesman Chilectra power company told Chile's TVN television.

Larrain said it was not clear whether the blackout had anything to do with the massive 8.8 earthquake that hit Chile on Feb 27, killing hundreds and destroying homes.

- Reuters